Marine search called off due to 'misunderstanding'

Marine search called off due to 'misunderstanding'

MONDAY - 7.00PM: A SEARCH for a man believed missing in waters off Coffs Harbour has been called-off.

Police confirmed a 47-year-old Coffs Harbour man was found "alive and well" today after he was reported missing on Sunday morning.

A large-scale search was launched after witnesses told authorities the man did not resurface after jumping from Coffs Harbour Jetty.

Inspector Tony Milner said the incident was "a misunderstanding" as the young witnesses did not see the man resurface away from their line of sight.

Insp Milner said televised media reports claiming the incident "may have been a practical joke" were false.

"The witnesses believed they were doing the right thing and were concerned about the man when they contacted police," Insp. Milner said.

SUNDAY: POLICE will continue a search on Monday morning for a man feared missing in waters off Coffs Harbour.

The man - aged between 40-50 years old - was seen jumping off Coffs Harbour Jetty just before 11.30am on Sunday.

Witnesses say they did not see the man resurface and contacted police.

Emergency services, including officers from Coffs Harbour Local Area Command, SLSA - NSW, Marine Rescue and PolAir 1 conducted a grid search of the area but were unable to locate the man.

The search was suspended on Sunday night due to poor visibility but will resume on Monday.

In the meantime, police are appealing for anyone who may have witnessed the incident or who has any information about the identity of the man to contact Coffs Harbour Police on 6691 0799 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.